From BLAST to NGS Read Mapping: Alignment Tools in Bioinformatics
Master essential biological sequence alignment workflows from basic BLAST searches to advanced NGS read mapping platforms. Bridge the gap between raw sequencing outputs and downstream bioinformatics analysis using standard algorithmic tools.
Course Description
Master the fundamentals of BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) in this intensive 2-day hands-on crash course. Learn the core concepts of sequence alignment, explore different BLAST programs, and understand how to interpret key alignment metrics such as E-value, % Identity, Query Coverage, and Score. Gain practical experience with Online BLAST and advance to Offline BLAST (BLAST+), where you'll install the software, create local databases, and perform sequence similarity searches using real biological datasets. By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence to execute and interpret BLAST analyses for research, genomics, and bioinformatics applications.
What You'll Learn
The fundamentals of sequence alignment, including global, local, and pairwise alignment concepts.
How to perform and interpret Online BLAST searches using appropriate databases and search parameters.
The significance of key BLAST metrics such as E-value, % Identity, Query Coverage, Maximum Score, and Total Score.
Practical techniques for installing and using Offline BLAST (BLAST+) for local sequence similarity searches.
Hands-on experience in creating local BLAST databases and analyzing real biological sequence datasets using command-line tools.
Curriculum
-
Day 1: Introduction to BLAST & Online BLAST
Lesson -
Day 2: Offline BLAST Using BLAST+
Lesson
